Late Oh Yoanna's Mother Begins Hunger Strike Demanding MBC's Public Apology and Prevention Measures

The mother of the late weathercaster Oh Yoanna, who tragically passed away due to workplace bullying, has commenced a hunger strike, demanding a public apology and concrete prevention measures from MBC.

A press conference to declare a 'Commemoration Week of Struggle' was held on August 8th in front of the MBC Sangam building, attended by 44 civic and labor organizations, including the bereaved family.

Jin Jae-yeon, executive director of 'Ending Credits,' a group advocating for the labor rights of media freelancers, highlighted the family's meetings with MBC leadership and expressed dissatisfaction with the broadcaster's lack of sincere effort to resolve the issue. "MBC set up an incense altar in the lobby without informing the family or us," he stated, emphasizing the launch of the commemoration week and the mother's hunger strike to call for solidarity in addressing the systemic issues faced by freelancers.

The late Oh Yoanna's mother, Jang Yeon-mi, speaking with a trembling voice, shared her immense pain over the past year. She lamented MBC's "shameless and despicable" response and the absence of accountability. "We met with MBC twice to deliver our demands, but they showed no sincerity or will to resolve the issue," she said, vowing to continue the fight to clear her daughter's name and prevent future tragedies.

Following the conference, an incense altar for the late Oh Yoanna was set up at the site, where family and supporters paid their respects.

Late Oh Yoanna worked as an MBC weathercaster since 2021 and passed away on September 15, 2023, after leaving behind 17 suicide notes detailing workplace harassment. A special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor concluded that while she was not a formal employee, "acts that could be seen as bullying occurred." MBC promised to take action against involved parties and improve its organizational culture, including creating a 'Coexistence Cooperation Officer' role. However, the decision to re-sign contracts with three individuals, excluding the primary alleged harasser, sparked further controversy. The family has filed a lawsuit seeking 510 million KRW in damages against the individual identified as the perpetrator.

Late Oh Yoanna began her career as an MBC weathercaster in 2021, quickly becoming a familiar face to viewers.

She was known for her striking visuals and consistent, professional on-air presence.

Her untimely death, attributed to severe workplace bullying, sent shockwaves through the industry and brought attention to the precarious working conditions of many freelancers.